Happy 20th birthday, RAD! (or 24th... idk)
It's been my lifelong dream to see them live and I've finally fulfilled it. Back in 2023 they performed in NYC for the release of the film “Suzume” but I couldn't secure tickets in time and have been bummed out about it since. When I learned that RADWIMPS would be touring again in 2025 right next to [Alexandros], I knew I had to book my flight for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Whenever I see people commenting stuff like "I'm turning 35 this year, seeing them live brings me back to my teenage years" on YouTube music videos, I never really understood that feeling until now.
I wouldn't have discovered Makoto Shinkai's works if it weren't for RADWIMPS. One evening in middle school, I was listening to whatever piano songs YouTube recommended me when one of the soundtrack songs for "Your Name" popped up, I think it was either "Date" or "Katawaredoki." After learning it was from an anime movie, I instantly went to watch it and fell in love instantly. I went on to rewatch that movie 14 times that same week — it was that good, then I watched all of Shinkai's filmography and became his #1 glazer
To Mr. Noda, RADWIMPS, and Makoto Shinkai, thank you all for making up so much of my childhood :) I hold all your works very dear to my heart. I hope the three of you continue producing together for at least another century, and I will dedicate the rest of my life studying how to invent immortality if I have to.
